How Brake Pads Work-Understand What your BRAKE PADS Do

18th July 2023/in Brake Servicing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

Here at Pellon Autocentre, we use top-quality brake parts. because it gives us peace of mind that we are fitting a top-class product. knowing that our customers won’t have problems with their new brake pads.

Your brake pads are one of the most important parts of your car’s braking system. because they are the component that makes contact with the discs. applying pressure and friction to your car’s brake discs. Of course, this is the pressure and friction that are applied to the brake discs.

slowing and stopping your vehicle. Once your brakes are applied, The pressure from the master cylinder now prevents the wheels from turning and your vehicle from moving. The role of brake pads in how cars work is really very simple, but the construction of the brake pads is not.

Did you know that Brake pads were once made out of asbestos !

So, asbestos was used to for How Brake Pads Work. Particularly when I was a young apprentice mechanic. but because of the cancer-causing materials in the pads. Urgently, then, new compounds had to be developed. Nowadays, brake pads are made from a mixture of different compounds. including metallic shavings and non-metallic, organic materials. Depending on the manufacturer’s own compound mixes.

The brake pads are compressed onto your brake discs when you press the brake pedal. The discs are fitted directly to the wheel hubs and the axle; on applying the brake pads, friction is forced upon the disc, causing the wheels to slow and then stop depending on the pressure applied to the pedal. The discs work in unison with the brake pads in order to stop your vehicle.

When will I need new brake pads or discs?

There are many different warning signs that your vehicle will give you before your brakes reach the point of potential failure or extensive repair. The first thing to say is that you should always have your car regularly serviced, including the braking system. This will stop problems before they occur.

Here’s some other things that you should look out for.

Watch out for your brake warning light coming on when you are driving?

Check or have your garage check your brake fluid level?
Do you hear a grinding sound or a squealing sound when you apply the brake pedal?
Any feeling of a vibration or some sponginess in the brake pedal when it is pressed?
Does your vehicle steer or pull to one side when you apply your brakes?

All these symptoms are the most common signs of a potential brake system hazard! problems, and they should be looked at immediately. Of course, they have the potential to cause a lethal accident. Brakes are there to stop your car, and they should not be treated lightly. In a word, if you have them inspected at regular intervals, you will reduce the chances of future safety problems.

3 Critical Car Maintenance Tasks You Cant Afford To Skip

Car Brake Warning Lights-Dashboard Warning Lights can scare you to death?

17th July 2023/1 Comment/in Brake Servicing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

Car Brake Warning Lights

Of course, almost all the modern cars today have a massive bank of warning lights. Including your Car Brake Warning Lights. Naturally, on the dash when you switch your ignition on to start your car. So, as the engine begins to pick up after a few seconds the dashboard lights should have cleared. Modern technology and on-board computers have enabled car manufacturers. Hence, to connect almost every part of the modern car to some kind of warning lights.

This is for increased fuel efficiency and to enhance the car’s safety. Consequently, the car dash looks more like an airplane’s cockpit these days. Thankfully we have clever mechanics with computer soft-wear. At the same time, that can diagnose what these problems are should they arise. We at Pellon Auto-centre use a car diagnostic computer made by SUN Systems . So finding that it is a great machine for sorting out the light problems and resetting the lights. Of course while telling us what the underlying problem may be.

Brake warning lights

Car Brake Warning Lights symbols look the same for most car models. But yours could be slightly different. Its purpose is to tell you that something is wrong with the braking system somewhere on the car. With this in mind, if this light comes on, check your owner’s manual to find out its meaning. So, as I say some cars have a different meaning. It could be used for many purposes. For example, the same light may be used to show that the hand-brake is left on. If that’s the case and you’re still driving, you would notice the smell of burning brake pads. The light can also indicate that the fluid in your brake master cylinder is getting low. Each manufacturer has a different use and standard for this light. In all cases if the light remains on you should take the car at once to your local auto centre and have the brakes checked out. For further information click the link bellow.

ABS Car Brake Warning Lights

Not all cars have ABS braking systems but they are becoming more common as the new cars are starting to come out. If you car has an ABS braking system, you will have a second type of warning light (as shown in the picture). If you see this light on you should seek immediate help from your garage or Auto-centre. This light is controlled by a computer and means that the computer has picked up a problem with the braking system. It could just be a simple thing such as dirty contacts on your braking components and sensors, or it could be that your ABS unit needs replacing, either way if this light comes on please take notice and have your car checked out as soon as possible. The may stay on, flash or blink but whatever it does seek attention, you may end up with no brakes at all.

Importantly as well as your brake warning lights, dont drive the car if the ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS happen to come on!

Independent Garage Car Servicing-Keeping the cost down by going for Menu Servicing

17th July 2023/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

Independent Garage Car Servicing

Independent Garage Car Servicing avoids bigger bills later

Your car needs to undergo a regular check up to avoid future repairs. With the correct car servicing and maintenance, your car will last for several years longer.

When buying a brand new car, most car companies have car servicing special offers included with the car warranty. This is not always a good idea, you can take your car to the garage that you trust for your Car Servicing without it affecting your warranty. But you need to follow the car servicing maintenance schedule according to the service book, if this is not kept up to date your warranty will become void. You should not take for granted the care of your car. Us humans need a regular check up to the doctors while cars need regular servicing and check-ups from your local independent garage.

Unless you really cannot afford to pay for car servicing never do the car maintenance by yourself unless it is a minor maintenance and you have had some experience with cars. But if you have no experience at all, don’t risk ruining your car and just go to the nearest independent Car Servicing centre. Listed below are some maintenance procedures you should consider for taking care of your cars:

Some car servicing things to check regularly.

• Regular Car Service – It is important that you follow the car service manual according to the exact mileage or time period. Try not to miss a service.

• Correct Oil Change of Engines – Oil change should be done once a year especially diesel engined cars. Changing your oil regularly ensures a long life for your engine using the correct oil.

• Check Fluid Levels – It is something that the car owner could do, but if you are not sure what to do your local Unipart service centre will do the checks for you. The essential fluids such as coolant fluid, Brake fluids, battery fluid, and transmission fluid should be checked and maintained on a regular basis, not forgetting your tyres.?

• Check your Tyres – Check the tyre pressure and look around your tyres for signs of cracking or any lumps or bumps, once again if you are in doubt ask the experts, they will be glad to help.

• Car Body Maintenance – You should also maintain the looks of your car. Check the minor parts such as side mirrors, headlights, bumper, doors, seats, and other parts of the car.

Engine Warning Lights-Why is My Check Engine Light On?

9th July 2023/9 Comments/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

Engine Warning Lights

When did warning lights begin

Car warning lights were first used to alert drivers to potential problems or malfunctions in their vehicles. The specific purpose of each warning light may vary depending on the make and model of the car, but they are generally used to indicate issues with the engine, brakes, transmission, or other vital systems.

The use of warning lights in cars has evolved over time, with early versions being relatively basic and limited in scope. As car technology has advanced, so too have the warning lights used to indicate potential problems. Today’s warning lights are often more sophisticated and can provide drivers with more detailed information about the specific issues that may be affecting their vehicle.

There are generally accepted color codes for car warning lights, although the specific colors and meanings can vary somewhat depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Here are some common warning light colors and their meanings:

Red: Red warning lights typically indicate a serious problem or safety issue. Examples may include the brake system warning light, the oil pressure warning light, or the engine temperature warning light.
Yellow or Orange: Yellow or orange warning lights may indicate a less serious problem, or one that requires attention but is not necessarily an immediate safety concern. Examples may include the low fuel warning light or the check engine light.
Green: Green warning lights are generally used to indicate that a system is active or functioning properly. For example, a green cruise control light might indicate that cruise control is engaged.
Blue: Blue warning lights are generally used to indicate that a particular system or feature is turned on, such as the headlights or the high beams.

Overall, it is important to be familiar with the specific warning light colours and meanings for your particular vehicle, as they can vary somewhat between different makes and models.

Engine Warning Lights

So it is really important to learn about the reason for your car’s engine warning to come on. Of course, this is frequently a false alarm. However, I know from personnel experience that it is likely to be very important and should be checked out as soon as possible.

This attached article explains four of the most important reasons why your oil warning light has illuminated! Once again, I must emphasise that a regular service will prevent this from happening. So, on many occasions, it is just that your oil level may have dropped! Of course, it will need to be topped up. If this is a regular occurrence, then it would be worth taking the car into your local garage. Importantly, your car could be burning oil.

So, due to engine wear or an other inherent problem.

As soon as the Engine Warning Lights appear on your dashboard please do not ignore it. It may be well worth having the car checked out.

Finally, regular servicing will keep your engine oil fresh and at the proper level. So, as a follow-up to this post, just the other day a strange warning light appeared on my Ford Transit Connect van. The light was orange in colour and depicted a car with two wavy lines coming from the back wheels. The warning light turned out to be the “stability control dashboard light.” something that I had never seen before. Importantly, it was tied up with the vehicle’s traction, and the light went out when I re-started the van’s engine! The whole of the Transit Connect warning lights can be seen on the “Driving test tips website“.

Learn about the common triggers that can cause your Check Engine light to come on for almost no reason at all, to save you money and your safety.

Source: Why is My Check Engine Light On?

Car Servicing/Cold Weather can bring drivers higher motoring costs

5th July 2023/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

Car Servicing/Cold Weather

Of course, sometimes I think that we can be lucky. Especially with the winter weather that we experience here in the UK. As we all know, most winters are a mixture of mild weather with cold spells in-between. We certainly don’t get the extreme conditions seen in the USA. Including the ten foot of snow followed by temperature of 18 C. Causing the snow to melt and then flooding.

So, I know that the winter months are very good for business for garages. Especially as the winter approaches, and the freezing conditions cause many problems to the Halifax UK motorists.

This original post was written by me during the winter of 2014-2015.

Subsequently,it was the usual mixture of cold and mild weather. Both of which could affect your car. Mostly, if it has not been properly maintained. Sooner or later, many motorists have now taken heed from the motor trades continuous publicity. Firstly, about the advantages of winter tyres and it has now reaped reward. Consequently, with millions of motorists now fitting award winning Nokian Winter Tyres to their cars. Of course,giving a much safer winter experience for them and other road users.

Pre Winter car servicing can beat off problems

As I have mentioned above, winter tyres are an important part of your car and safety, but other things are also important to have checked. I will start off with your window washer bottle. Make sure that you use a high concentrate wiper fluid when filling the washer bottle, try not to be tempted to buy the really cheap stuff. There is nothing worse than your windscreen freezing because the washer water is made of a weak concentrate.

Check out your antifreeze levels and top them up with the right coloured coolant and antifreeze. Check with the instructions on the bottle. Of course, to get the correct mix. Also make a note of when your antifreeze was last changed. In a word, every couple of years should be the right time to have it changed. Wiper blades are also worth checking, but these will be changed if your car has a pre-winter servicing check out.

Oil too can be affected by temperature change engine servicing could solve this problem

In my opinion though the UK climate is very changeable. But does not get enough extremes to warrant changing your engine oil in a hot or cold climate. If you are not too sure then your cars manual will give you the relevant information. Including, the different viscosity that you may require. So, if you are heading for a very cold country or a hot country.

Brake and clutch fluid can also be affected by extreme cold weather. If you carry out regular car servicing. Then you will not need to worry about the fluid and just have it topped up at your local garage.

Also as I have said in other blogs. So, it is important that you carry an emergency kit in the car boot, including jump cables and a portable shovel.

Your light are also very important, how many cars do we see driving about on one headlight, I think that they look like motorcycles when I see them coming towards me and it can be very off putting, so always check your lights at regular intervals all year round but because of the short daylight hours, check them more regularly.

As a garage owner I know only too well that the winter weather can bring all sorts of misery to your vehicles

Fortunately, for us garage owners then winter is perhaps our busiest times of year. So why not winter service your car and eliminate many of the problems that the cold weather will bring you. Only last week one of our customers who is a courier driver, using his own transit van, noticed that his van had started to cut out when driving along.

This was after a very cold frosty night and his van also started to overheat. He rang us up and we suggested that he should come in straight away to prevent any damage to his engine.

When he arrived the first thing that we did was to check his radiator water for antifreeze.

Sure enough the radiator was full but the colour of the liquid was very pale. So, indicating a lack of antifreeze. In fact this was the problem. Because, of the lack of antifreeze the water pump had frozen. Including, the splines connecting it to the power steering pump shearing off.

This would have been prevented if the mixture in the radiator had been checked and made up to the correct level of antifreeze. The water pump was changed, albeit in a very tight and awkward place in the engine and the guy went about his business delivering parcels.

This is just an example of what can go wrong in differing winter weather, so a little checking or servicing could in the long run save you pounds by the end of the winter.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)-Another great explanatory video about how ABS works.

28th June 2023/in Brake Servicing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

Anti-lock Braking System

This article is about your anti-lock braking system. Thus, the ABS fitted to your car is an additional safety feature. Hence, this is now found on many modern cars. Your car’s ABS system For this reason, it is designed to help prevent your wheels from locking. Especially, during heavy braking situations, such as cornering on a wet or snowy road,

Importantly, your ABS will prevent your car from skidding or Aquaplaning. Your ABS system is made up of the ABS module, and has sensors fitted on each of your wheels. As a result, these sensors detect your wheel speed. Hence, this will send a message to the ABS module. This reacts by rapidly pumping the brakes when detected. Especially when the car is skidding and has lost the traction on a wet or icy road.

If your car is not fitted with an ABS system, you may lose traction due to a loss of traction. This could be caused by skidding or aquaplaning on wet roads. When you have to apply your brakes, then, without ABS, you could lose control of the car. As a result, your ABS system on your vehicle will give you plenty of warning signs when there are any problems with the ABS brake system.

The ABS system modulates brake pressure

In order to keep track of speed and wheel spin, anti lock brakes require a number of sensors. The technology detects when the wheels start to lock up and delivers pressure to each wheel at a different rate to stop the vehicle. By doing this, the wheels won’t lock up.

Brake pressure is regulated to maintain optimal stopping force and control when ABS is on. When the vehicle slows down or stops, the ABS regulates brake pressure by pressing harder on the brake pedal. The opposite is also true when the vehicle slows down or stops.

For commercial vehicles, ABS was first created. After it was shown to increase vehicle safety, it was later adopted to automobile vehicles in the 1980s. It is now a standard feature on all new autos to increase safety.

Your car will slow down using hydraulic pressure and the ABS. The purpose of this device is to stop the wheels from locking up during braking, which could result in an accident. Additionally, it aids you in keeping control of your vehicle when stopping on unsteady or wet and muddy ground.

I think it is important for the driver to be aware of the warning signs. By knowing about the problems and correcting them, you are more likely to be able to address the problem, should one occur. As I have said previously,

ABS works by detecting individual wheel locks and momentarily releasing the brakes on that particular wheel. Hence, by cutting out the amount of brake fluid, which is supplied to the wheel via the master cylinder. Therefore, to allow the wheel to regain traction and then carry on driving in safety.

Catalytic Converter Care-Regular Car Servicing can help look after your Cat

26th June 2023/1 Comment/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

CATALYTIC CONVERTER CARE; Why does car servicing affect your Cat?

This is an interesting point; I suppose that regular car maintenance has an effect on all your car parts in the end. Your Catalytic Converter care, (CAT) is a crucial part of your vehicle. Therefore, is fitted with your engine and the rest of the exhaust system. Thus, some are attached to the manifold, onto the engine, these are known as manifold cats, and some are fitted at the end of a short front pipe on the rest of the exhaust system.

Bigger models of cars sometimes require two cats, cars such as BMWs and MERCs usually have two cats fitted, (very expensive to replace).

Your cat’s primary job is to clean the engine particles that the engine omits. Catalytic converters are made out of ceramic. Thus, with added precious metals (another reason why Catalytic Converter care is critical). Naturally to filter the dirty particles from your engine. Thus reducing the pollutants from entering the atmosphere, this helps us to clean the environment and is part of the UK MOT test.

Catalytic Converter Care

Your cat will only work correctly if the engine operates with the correct ratio of air to fuel. Naturally, this was your car servicing comes in. aged.

Catalytic Converter Care

So, since writing this post then the catalytic converter has become even more important. Especially with the tightening of exhaust emissions regulations coming from European governments. Of course this important filtering of the gases system is on every new petrol and diesel car produced these days. So, diesel cars and vans call them the “particulate filters“.

However they work very similar to each other, filtering out poisonous gases from the vehicles engine before emitting the gas into the atmosphere. I t may be interesting to know that the catalysts are made up using some precious metals.

Precious metals used in catalytic converter

So, one of the main reasons that many catalytic converters are stolen from vehicle. Thus, is because many of them contain some rare metals. Given these points, the main metals are rhodium, palladium and platinum.

Pellon tyre online tyres and car repairing servicing

Right to Repair Law- Could Brexit Affect our Right to repair Laws?

25th June 2023/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

Right to Repair Law

Right to Repair Law; The European unions block exemption rules regarding “garage servicing” came up for revue in May 2010.

The reform was all about setting new rules to take into account the intensity of competition on the markets for the distribution of motor vehicles and spare parts. Also for the provision of repair and maintenance services. It covers cars, trucks and buses, and all types of garage small or large.

The Commission found that competition in the market for the sale of new vehicles is strong. In this light, the current sector-specific rules create an unnecessary straitjacket that prevents

car manufacturers from organising their distribution systems as they see fit. The European Commission has therefore aligned the rules applicable to motor vehicle distribution. This applies with those that apply to distribution agreements in other sectors but with a three-year transition period to allow dealers to adapt to the new measures.

Right to Repair Law

Competition on the markets for repair and maintenance and for spare parts distribution is less intense. This is a risk to consumers who may be harmed by anti-competitive practices. This could push up Car Repair Costs when Servicing a Car. The garage Repair and maintenance industry is very important for consumers. Not only for reasons of safety and reliability. But also because repair bills account for 40% of the total cost to car owners. Unlike car prices, the cost of the average repair job and servicing has actually risen over the past years.

Consumers are feeling the effect of rising repair bills. This also includes servicing costs during the present crisis. They are more price-sensitive and drive older vehicles that require more regular maintenance. The EU Commission has put in place a tougher regime for these markets. They will make it easier to enforce the rules. Particular problematic issues include holding back technical information and not releasing spare parts, and refusing to honour warranties when consumers have their cars repaired at independent garage servicing facilities.

Independent garages and repairers such as Pellonautocentre are important because they give more choice to consumers. This helps to keep the price of servicing and repairs competitive by putting pressure due to competitive pricing against main dealers. Also to authorized repair networks. But for this to happen it is essential that garages can get the technical information necessary to do the repairs and carry out the work on increasingly sophisticated cars with increasing amounts of technology.

Right to Repair Law

Withholding “technical information” will be dealt with directly under the EU Treaty rules on restrictive business practices (Article 101) since. The manufacturers , spare parts and repair shops generally have a larger market share in excess of 30%. In addition, Guidelines also being brought in contain detailed clarifications. As to the notion of technical information, cross-referring to Regulation 715/2007 on type approval of certain cars and all subsequent implementing regulations.

New rules will assure that garage servicing companies have access to technical information for models which are type-approved after 1 September 2009. By making a clear link with the 2007 car type-approvals Regulation. The EU Commission will ensure both consistency as regards access to technical information. For cars put in circulation before that date and allow the presentation of technical information to evolve and continue in line with technical progress.

The EU Commission remains committed to vigorously enforce the rules on access to technical information. This was demonstrated in four cases brought in 2007. This was to ensure that car manufacturers disclose the necessary information to independent repairers and garage servicing facilities. Garages the likes of Pellonautocentre.in the Calderdale area of West Yorkshire.

Right to Repair Law

By strengthening the enforcement of competition rules. Including the garage servicing sector and maintenance and spare parts markets. These new laws will contribute to creating a level playing field between car manufacturers and spare part producers and garage servicing. Thus contribute to lower prices for spare parts. This has to be very good news for the garage servicing , garage repair and spare parts industry. This result must give great pride. To all the different groups and individuals that spent hard earned money lobbying and writing to their EU and local MPs. These new laws are similar to the “right to repair” laws in the USA.

The new “Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation“, will continue to help lower the cost of” GARAGE SERVICING” for 13 years until 2023.

The EU Commission will constantly monitor the situation in the markets for motor vehicle and spare parts distribution, as well as in the market for the provision of repair and maintenance services including garage servicing companies. The EU Commission will also monitor the application of the Regulation, in cooperation with National Competition Authorities and stakeholders. Once again the UK garage and motor industry can continue to work hard and give the public the service and competitive pricing they deserve.

Pellon Tyre and Autocentre thinks that the Right to Repair Law, coming from the EU will be kept when our government decides on which legislation to keep and throw out.

Are Hybrids here to stay ?Here’s how much owning a plug-in hybrid saves, and what it costs

24th June 2023/3 Comments/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

Are Hybrids here to stay

So , if you had asked me this question a few months ago! Then the answer from me would have been yes.

Importantly, I thought and hoped that this particular format would be the way forward.

Firstly, it appeared to be a good compromise between electric cars (battery driven) and fossil fuels. In my opinion the electric car that we have at the moment is too extreme. This car will cut the jobs of millions of associated industries. Including the garage industry that has supported my family for more that half a century.

Bigger than the coal industry demise

People in the automotive industry are very worried about the infectious drive of our government to the desired of the greener planet lobby. This minority of people who are in my opinion just hell bent on scuppering capitalism. of course in the guise of people such as the “Climate Rebellion” protesters . Telling that the world will be coming to and end ?

I just wonder why the world did not come to and end after the significant amount of poisonous gasses. Subsequently, from fires, bombs and guns in the first and then the second world wars. Surely this should have brought the world to an end! According to there philosophy!

So, our government are determined to bring a massive collapse to the auto industry. Once again bringing us something that we dont particularly want. Poorer people amongst us will be the ones who suffer! As usual. Of course they wont be able to afford the expensive electric cars and will have to walk everywhere! But perhaps thats what they want us to do! Return to been cave men again and get rid of those terrible motor cars that try to kill us with their awful fumes. What a load of rubbish ?

Now the latest is that hybrid cars that the industry has spent billions of money on. Wont be a part of a greener Britain. Well surprise, surprise lets just hope that they may see some sense before its too late. Finally, I have not yet seen a single tree planted here in the North yet! Perhaps it will be just yet another thing to neglect us with just like our infrastructure ?

I paid a bit more for my plug-in hybrid than a would have for a gas-only vehicle, but the money I’m saving on gas feels like a debt I’ve

Source: Here’s how much owning a plug-in hybrid saves, and what it costs – Business Insider

Car servicing Very Important-Why Servicing Your Car is Important – wheelsforwomen.ie

23rd June 2023/2 Comments/in All Car Servicing/by Eric Roberts

Car servicing Very Important

Car maintenance Very Important

So, although this is an older post it is still very relevant. Subsequently, recent times have proved that our customer base is now a well balanced mix of male and female customers!

Because, of many blogs that are aimed at females. Responsible, car care advice is very popular amongst lady drivers. Importantly, this attached article is a great example of good advice for all motorists regarding having there vehicles levels checked out at regular servicing intervals.

Brakes extremely important

Practically all mechanics will tell you that the most important part with the service are that all brakes and suspension are all checked. Responsibly, all the tyres are inspected. Of course to check for safe tread depths. Tyre pressures are tested to ensure correct pressures are in the tyres.

Lights, wipers and horn are also inspected. Importantly, whether its just an oil service or a full service. So, the car should be thoroughly checked over. Of course to ensure a safe car to drive and peace of mind for the car owner.

Hannah Gordon, our resident Mechanic, explains why regular maintenance of your car is important.

Source: Why Servicing Your Car is Important – wheelsforwomen.ie